How to Succeed Star Ellen Harvey Takes a Licking, and Loves It!

About the Show

After a two-show day, Broadway’s pet-owning performers love nothing more than coming home to their number one fan: a loyal four-legged friend. In honor of the annual Broadway Barks dog and cat adoption event, coming up on July 9 in Shubert Alley, we asked stage stars to show their puppy—and kitty!—love by telling us all about their furry pals.

What is your pet’s name and breed?
Her name is Sara, and she is an 18-month-old bulldog/Italian greyhound mix (with four other varieties thrown in!). We did the DNA test on her because we had no idea what she was. My boyfriend and I rescued her off the streets of Atlanta, so we had no background information.

How did your pet get its name?
My boyfriend Jesse actually named her. The night we found her, she ran up to him in the rain. When he leaned down, she jumped in his lap and curled up into a tiny ball. He whispered in her ear "What is your name? Would you like to be called Sara?” And she proceeded to lick his entire face! So Sara it was.

What is your pet’s favorite pastime?
Mostly disemboweling stuffed animals. Loves going to the park and chasing squirrels, but her idea of a really good time is when the floor is littered with white piles of stuffing and the squeaker has been successfully removed! (We have a lot of "body parts" around the house.)

Does your pet know any tricks?
Nope. I keep trying to get her to learn how to drive so she can help on road trips, but her legs just won't reach the clutch....

What’s the funniest thing your pet has done?
She likes to talk to you if you aren't paying attention to her. She NEVER barks, but occasionally this funny language will come out her mouth. She also is known for giving licks and kisses galore. I've never met a dog who is so affectionate. She would lick your face for hours if you let her.

What’s the naughtiest thing your pet has done?
She ate an ENTIRE loaf of bread out of the back of the car in about 30 seconds flat. (The next day was....you can imagine.) We now have to barricade any purchases that get put in the back of the car when she's with us, because she's also shredded the paper towels and opened Kleenex boxes. To her, a plastic or paper bag means something potentially edible.

Do you look like your pet?
No. She's got a better tan and a firmer tushy. She also has a natural french manicure on her front toes, and I hate getting my nails done!